If you have a cosmetics brand, regulatory compliance becomes an integral part of getting your product to market. Your labels must adhere to regulations. Not only does this promote transparency to consumers, but it also helps avoid hefty fines and ensures compliance with local laws. Consumers are also keener to know if a product has the required certifications that they look for, whether it is cruelty free, environment friendly, or Halal certified.

If you're marketing your product in the Middle East, Halal certification becomes paramount, like any other cosmetic regulation, as you’re catering to an audience that follows Islamic values and principles. 

What does Halal certification forbid?

Halal cosmetics refer to any product that does not contain non-Halal ingredients. These include ingredients derived from alcohol, humans (such as stem cells), genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or pork. Animal testing is also prohibited under Halal law.

A Halal cosmetic can contain animal-derived ingredients only if they are slaughtered or extracted in a way that minimizes suffering and follows specific criteria. Additionally, Halal cosmetics must be manufactured and packaged to avoid contamination with non-Halal substances. 

Which nations should comply with Halal cosmetic regulations?

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which includes Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, constitutes a predominantly Muslim population and hence must comply with Halal regulations.  By respecting the lifestyle and dietary nuances of your target audience and ensuring your product is Halal-certified, you’ll also be gearing your product up for commercial success. 

The middle east market primarily consists of the following countries: Bahrain (GCC), Kuwait (GCC), Oman (GCC), Qatar (GCC), Saudi Arabia (GCC), United Arab Emirates (GCC), Algeria, Djibouti, Palestine, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen.

A guide to GCC Halal certification

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has a rigorous system for Halal certification, ensuring that products adhere to Islamic dietary laws. Here are the key authorities and standards that govern Halal certification in the region:

Key standards and authorities

• Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO):
  GSO 2055-1:2015: This is a widely recognized standard that outlines the requirements for Halal food products.

• Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA):
  UAE.S 2055-1: This standard, specific to the UAE, provides guidelines for Halal certification.

• OIC/SMIIC 1:2019:
  Set by the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries, this standard offers comprehensive guidelines for Halal certification.

• Egyptian Organization for Standards & Quality (EOS):
  ES 4249 / 2014: This Egyptian standard provides specific requirements for Halal products.

Country-specific authorities

In addition to the regional standards, individual GCC countries have their own regulatory authorities:

• Saudi Arabia: Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)

• Qatar: Qatar Ministry of Public Health (MOPH)

• Bahrain: Bahrain Institute of Standards and Metrology

• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA)

• Oman: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

• Kuwait: Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN)

• Jordan: Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO) and Jordan Islamic Foundation for Certification and Standards

By understanding these standards and authorities, brands can navigate the complex landscape of Halal certification and ensure their products meet the specific requirements of the GCC market.

How to comply with Halal cosmetic regulations

Complying with Halal cosmetic regulations can be complex, as each country has its own authorities and labeling requirements. This can make product labeling and compliance a daunting task.

Artwork Flow’s ComplyAI offers AI-powered compliance checks that automate regulatory compliance for all your product labels. Here’s how it works:

1. Create rulesets for multiple use cases
   Users can create rulesets for fonts, images, spelling, barcodes, ingredients, nutritional tables, and more. For instance, if your product contains an allergen or ingredient that requires disclosure, you can create an allergen ruleset specifying the required label information.

2. Run automated checks
   Save your ruleset and run an automated check on your label. Checking for Halal certification is simple—create a logo ruleset for Halal certification. If the logo is missing from the label, the system highlights the issue and provides guidance for compliance.

Stay Halal compliant every step of the way

Navigating Halal cosmetic regulations in the Middle East requires an understanding of the cultural and regulatory landscape, as well as adherence to strict standards. By ensuring your products are Halal-certified, you not only meet compliance requirements but also demonstrate respect for your audience's values. Book a demo with Artwork Flow to streamline your compliance process, minimize errors, and confidently bring your products to market. 

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